What is the cheapest way to get from Darwin to Cairns?

The cheapest way to get from Darwin to Cairns is to fly which costs $370 - $800 and takes 6h 39m.

What is the fastest way to get from Darwin to Cairns?

The fastest way to get from Darwin to Cairns is to fly which takes 6h 39m and costs $370 - $800.

How far is it from Darwin to Cairns?

The distance between Darwin and Cairns is 1699 km. The road distance is 2353.4 km.

How do I travel from Darwin to Cairns without a car?

The best way to get from Darwin to Cairns without a car is to train and bus via Alice Springs which takes 5 days 8h and costs $4,800 - $15,000.

How long does it take to get from Darwin to Cairns?

It takes approximately 6h 39m to get from Darwin to Cairns, including transfers.

What is the time difference between Darwin and Cairns?

Cairns is 30 min ahead of Darwin. It is currently 6:30 AM in Darwin and 7:00 AM in Cairns.

Can I drive from Darwin to Cairns?

Yes, the driving distance between Darwin to Cairns is 2353 km. It takes approximately 34h 39m to drive from Darwin to Cairns.

Where can I stay near Cairns?

There are 998+ hotels available in Cairns.

Darwin to Cairns - 5 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

There are 5 ways to get from Darwin to Cairns by plane, train, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly
best
1. Fly from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS)DRW - CNS
6h 39m
$370–800
Train, bus via Alice Springs
1. Take the train from Darwin to Alice Springs
2. Take the bus from Alice Springs to Adelaide
3. Take the train from Adelaide to Brisbane
4. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station
5d 8h
$4,854–14,765
Bus, train
1. Take the bus from Darwin to Alice Springs
2. Take the bus from Alice Springs to Adelaide
3. Take the train from Adelaide to Brisbane
4. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station
5d 9h
$2,937–6,810
Drive 2,353.4 km
1. Drive from Darwin to Cairns2,353.4 km
34h 39m
$450–649
Train, bus
1. Take the train from Darwin to Adelaide Station
2. Take the train from Adelaide to Brisbane
3. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station
6d 15h
$5,720–9,026

Darwin to Cairns by bus, foot, and train

1Weekly Services

5d 9hAverage Duration

$2,937Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Darwin to Cairns.

Launch map view

Distance: 1,699.2 km
Duration: 6h 39m

What companies run services between Darwin, NT, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Qantas and Airnorth fly from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) twice daily.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

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